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BORA – hansgrohe and Ötztal seal a partnership

Sölden: A Fixed Star in the Bond Universe

In early April 2020, the latest epic 007 movie "No Time to Die" will celebrate its premiere. True fans who want to explore the myth of the world-famous secret agent close up have the opportunity to do so in Sölden all year round. At the peak of mighty Gaislachkogl at 3048 m, 007 ELEMENTS - the world's first adventure world revolving around "James Bond" - is waiting for you.

Ötztaler Cycle Marathon 2020.

2020 makes 40! A truly perfect anniversary.

Coincidence or not. It's that simple: 2020 makes 40. A truly perfect anniversary. When the online registration for the starting place raffle starts on 01 February 2020, the myth of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon will celebrate its 40^th edition. Once again amateur athletes and racing bike enthusiasts have the chance to get one of the coveted starting places until 29 February. The most iconic cycle marathon will take place under the eyes of the golden eagle on 30 August 2020.

We start counting days again and they will fly by. It's still a long wait for the 40^th edition of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon but the registration portal on www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com will be accessible already on 01 February. Who will conquer 238 km and 5500 altitude meters to secure the unrivaled "Ötztaler" finisher jersey in 2020? Cycling enthusiasts can register during four entire weeks until 29 February, followed by some waiting and trusting fate. Oliver Schwarz, Managing Director of Ötztal Tourismus: "Out of more than 15000 registrations, only 4000 will be on the start at Dorfstraße in Sölden."

The ?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon takes the mythic "?tztaler" to your home 

Special times require special ideas. For exactly this reason, the organizers of the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon offer cyclists from around the world an innovative event held on the ?tztaler''s original date from 28 to 30 August: the ?TZTALER SOCIALCYCLE MARATHON. Your favorite routes covering 238 kilometers can be cycled at home in the course of three days. Everything for a good cause! Additionally, a tombola with great prizes is waiting for all participants.

The ?tztaler Cycle Marathon with its challenging course has become an institution in the international cycle marathon scene. Emanuel Buchmann belonging to the BORA - hansgrohe team and fourth in the Tour de France, recently showed with its successful Everest Challenge that you can even climb the 8848 altitude meters of Mount Everest in ?tztal''s cycling paradise. This year, the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon was unfortunately postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic, to the dismay of starters from over 40 nations. But postponed is not canceled, and this year there will be the unrivaled ?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon for everyone at home on the weekend of 28 to 30 August!

The ?TZTALER SOCIALCYCLE MARATHON - Every kilometer will help
"Cycling is a matter of the heart here in ?tztal. We want to do something good by taking advantage of our commitment and passion for cycling, especially in difficult times like these. The money collected as part of the ?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon will be given entirely to "Netzwerk Tirol hilft" and will be targeted where there is still no hope in sight, despite support from the state," states Dominic Kuen - head of the OC Team.

The charity campaign starts on Friday, 28 August, and ends on Sunday, 30 August at 5.00 pm. Cyclists can simply register for free on the Cycle Marathon Homepage and set their own routes covering the 238 km cycling marathon distance in their home area, they can complete the challenge in one or up to three days. After registering, the participants receive the confirmation of participation and a link by email to enter all details about the cycling route covered (time, distance, altitude difference per day). "Fair cycling is our motto here," adds Kuen, who appeals to the honesty of all participants. Additionally, the organizers do without a classification and put the Olympic idea in the foreground - It''s the taking part that counts!

The number of registrations is not limited and each starter will receive a certificate in gold if the 238 km distance of the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon has been completed within one day, a certificate in silver if completed on two days and in bronze for three days cycling. Everyone who participates, automatically takes part in the tombola raffle. Great prizes - such as the new Trek Emonda racing bike, a Garmin computer or test rides on the Red Bull Ring in the KTM X-Bow - will be drawn in the course of the raffle.

Cycling for a good cause

The ?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon is absolutely free of charge. However, the participants can donate voluntarily for a good cause. The net proceeds will go to "Netzwerk Tirol hilft", an eleven-year story of success. The campaign helps people in need and receives around 1800 yearly requests exclusively from Tirol. "100 percent of the amount donated goes directly to those affected," explains network coordinator Herbert Peer, who already now thanks all cyclists who collect kilometers at home and money for a good cause! 

More information: www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com

?tztaler Cycle Marathon 2020.  

The drawing bowl is empty. The start list is full. People born in 1980 are particularly lucky.

As always, the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon captivates a huge number of amateur cyclists. We received 17,000 registrations this year. The 238 km track with 5500 altitude meters across four Alpine passes between North and South Tyrol thrills the masses. On 30 August, four mountains, four great adventures - K?htai, Brenner pass, Jaufen pass and Timmelsjoch which have become classics - are waiting for the 4000 starters.

Anniversary Bonus

The huge number of registrations for the 40^th anniversary of the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon prompted the organization team to give away another 40 extra starting places from the event contingent, to all those born in 1980. 40 forty-year-olds for the 40^th edition: a well-rounded affair. There will also be an extra ranking for everyone born in 1980. The round anniversary is celebrated in a proper way.

Under the sign of the Golden Eagle

Many other highlights are currently scheduled, for example the presentation of the anniversary finisher jersey. It can already be admired in the social networks. As you already know, the shirt designed in shades of blue and a hint of gold is dedicated to the golden eagle. The king of the air decorates the back of the precious material in a both stylish and unobtrusive manner. The most important thing at the moment is the e-mails to all participants drawn by lot to confirm their starting place at the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon 2020. For some it is only information, but for most amateur cyclists it is definitely the beginning of a summer with heaps of cycle training units. And last but not least, the 40 drawn forty-year-olds will be notified as well. So the starting field is complete and the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon 2020 can come.

Marathon Track:

Start in S?lden. Rather downhill towards Oetz (800 m). Then uphill to K?htai (2020 m). Downhill stretch to Kematen and further on towards Innsbruck (600 m). Take a deep breath before you cycle up to Brenner Pass (1377 m). Downhill to Sterzing (960 m). Keep to the right, cycling uphill constantly to Jaufen Pass (2090 m). Take care on the downhill section to St. Leonhard in Passeier (700 m), followed by the big final climb to Timmelsjoch Pass (2509). The undisputed dream destination: S?lden (1377 m)

Mountain Passages:

Warmup / Oetz - K?htai: 18 km; 1200 altitude meters; Refreshment station at KM 49; Conserving energy / Innsbruck - Brenner Pass: 37.5 km; 777 altitude meters; Refreshment station at KM 121.5; Cautious approach / Sterzing - Jaufen Pass: 15.5 km; 1130 altitude meters; Refreshment station at KM 153; Mountain of fate / St. Leonhard - Timmelsjoch: 29 km; 1759 altitude meters; Refreshment stations at KM 191.5 and 196.

More detailed information: www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com/en

A shattered dream: ?tztaler Cycle Marathon 2020 will not take place

Due to the official announcement by the Austrian Federal Government that no major events will be allowed until the end of August, the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon cannot take place this year. The organizers have defined 29 August 2021 as a replacement date. All participants with an already confirmed starting place can make their dream come true at the anniversary edition next year.

Canceling this year''s ?tztaler Cycle Marathon was not an easy decision for the organization team. All those responsible hoped to the last that the event can be held regularly. "We had to act quickly after the official announcement that no major events will take place in Austria until the end of August. We are aware that current political statements refer to cultural events. But if such severe measures are already taken in this field, it would not be fair to hold a sports event of this size by endangering the health and safety of our participants," states Oliver Schwarz, Managing Director of ?tztal Tourismus. After intensive discussions, the OC members decided to schedule the 40^th edition of the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon for Sunday, 29 August 2021. Postponing the event to a later date in autumn 2020 was not a realistic option. The clear days in September are also too short for an overall racing time of up to 13.5 hours. Additionally, the current lack of planning security forces us to make this far-reaching decision now. Every year, hobby athletes from more than 40 different countries make their dream come true: four passes along 238 km and 5500 altitude meters. "We would like to celebrate the 40^th ?tztaler anniversary with all participants and spectators, exactly the way we used to celebrate it in the previous years, that''s why we love this event," adds Schwarz. In all probability there will still be entry restrictions for some citizens and participants that make a regular marathon event not possible. 

Guaranteed starting place in 2021

All those who have already obtained one of the coveted starting places for this year''s edition can transfer it to next year. This process takes place automatically by informing all participants. Of course, also a refund is possible. The organization team and its coordinator Dominic Kuen provide the cycling community with all the latest information details either at www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com or on the social network channels. "Our anniversary event was symbolized by the Golden Eagle that stands for farsightedness, courage and strength. We wish all fans of the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon exactly these qualities and can''t wait for a great anniversary event next year," Dominic Kuen looking forward to 2021.

#wehaveadream2021

More detailed information: www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com/en

Dear editors!

For us, the ministry of the BIKE REPUBLIC S?LDEN, an incredibly emotional season comes to an end - a literally moving season. Despite all the Corona hurdles and struggles it was the most successful summer in our history!

With 55.000 (!) citizens we achieved an increase of 23% compared to last year. And this although we had snow on the first and the final weekend and had to cancel our legendary opening as well as our national bank holiday due to Corona.

We ourselves have spent a lot of times on the trails and lines and we enjoyed that a lot. This summer has been an exclamation mark for biking! No matter what age, what kind of rider, woman or man, lawyer or mechanic, they all love to ride - and the broad, open design and mindset of the BIKE REPUBLIC gives them a perfect home.

We have invested tremendously over the past years in our vision of a bike destination that offers more than just tracks with lift-access. The BIKE REPUBLIC S?LDEN is alive and pulsating. We welcome everybody, we have citizens with rights, we propagate and celebrate a peaceful and considerate community. The enormous increase of bikers in those sensitive times proves that our integrative, positive approach to biking is the way into the future.

Our two new tracks are exemplary for the variety of the Republic: the Fernar Trail is a rocky switchback challenge in high alpine terrain (deep black material!). While the TROALN LINE is a super easy, chilled ride tot he Giggijoch side, where we also have a new gondola shuttling the bikers.

Feel welcome to watch our (for us rather emotional) Highlight Clip 2020 and we would love to see you June 11^th 2021 for our Bike Opening into a new, sensational season.

All the best from S?lden,

The ministry of the BIKE REPUBLIC S?LDEN

Find our Highlight Clip (starring Rob J, Korbinian Engstler, Wyn Masters, Steffi Marth, many, many Bike Republic citizens and us ministers) here: https://youtu.be/XpVm0mCwteg

?tztal keeps the flag flying at the Tour de France 2020

At the world''s most famous road cycling race, the Tirolean Biking & Cycling Destination presents itself even more prominently on the BORA-hansgrohe team jerseys. Already in June, the top team around Peter Sagan, Rafal Majka and Emanuel Buchmann spent several weeks in ?tztal preparing for the 107^th edition of the legendary cycling classic. Despite this year''s forced break of the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon, the coming weekend will be dominated by the cult event thanks to the ?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon as well as book and film presentations.

With the opening of the Tour de France in Nice, at least a piece of normality starts rolling again for the professional cycling teams in times of Covid-19. Thanks to the partnership with Germany''s top team BORA-hansgrohe, ?tztal as a Bike & Cycling Destination will be in the media focus of the world''s largest sporting event in 2020. On the jerseys, newly designed for the cycling classic, the red and white ?tztal logo is clearly visible on the upper arms of Sagan & his teammates. "From a tourist point of view, the Tour de France is - of course - the unrivaled platform in cycling sports. I really hope that we can draw the attention of spectators worldwide to ?tztal by successful cycling," explains Team Manager Ralph Denk. He and his team were already convinced of the sporting advantages of Tirol''s longest side valley in June. The entire team with well-known athletes such as Peter Sagan, Rafal Majka and Emanuel Buchmann enjoyed the sprint and endurance challenges in the course of a training camp: such as the Glacier Road in S?lden with an average gradient of 10.5%. For Oliver Schwarz, Managing Director of ?tztal Tourismus, the cooperation results in a true win-win situation: "The great commitment quickly had its effects and the response was consistently positive. That is why we decided to appear even more prominent at the Tour de France, the sporting highlight of the year, in order to present the destination''s unique range of biking and cycling offers on international display."

?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon
The last weekend in August traditionally forms the framework for the unrivaled ?tztaler Cycle Marathon, which is taking a break due to the corona pandemic this year. Nevertheless, the organizing committee of the highly motivated "?tztaler" community wanted to find and carry out an alternative sporting event in compliance with all safety measures required. The result was the ?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon (www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com) taking place from 28 to 30 August as a one-time charity event. All athletes can cover the original route''s cycling distance of 238 kilometers on their personal favorite route in one or more daily stages. In addition to a personal athletic performance, there are attractive raffle prizes and the great opportunity of a voluntary donation for people in need.

Live broadcast around the world
On Sunday, 30 August, the organizers invite all fans of the original ?tztaler Cycle Marathon to attend the  online streaming event. In addition to reports on the ?tztaler SocialCycle Marathon with live connection to participants worldwide and a raffle, other exciting insights are scheduled. Former winners of the classic "?tztaler" will conquer the ?tztaler mountain passes on occasion of a Champions Ride. The new ?tztaler sales jersey as well as first glimpses of the new book and film for the event''s 40^th anniversary will be presented. 

More detailed information:

www.oetztal.com/biking

www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com/en

High-altitude training in ?tztal for Sagan & co to prepare for Tour de France, Giro and Vuelta

For two and a half weeks the professional cyclists from Germany''s top team BORA - hansgrohe visited several regions in ?tztal. After the long break due to Corona, the professional cyclists around Peter Sagan, Rafal Majka and Emanuel Buchmann were fairly happy to finally get back on the saddle together with the entire team. In addition to stamina challenges such as S?lden''s Glacier Road with an average gradient of 10.5% on a stretch of 13.5 kilometers, joint activities were not neglected. The varied program included outdoor action at AREA 47 or a visit to the 007 ELEMENTS James Bond Adventure World.

Exceptional performances are the order of the day in top-class sports, but exceptional situations such as the 2020 Corona year set new standards even for world-class professionals. For the BORA - hansgrohe cycling professionals this means that all classics such as Tour de France, Giro d''Italia or Vuelta de Espa?a will only be held in autumn. In order to train again as a team after months, trying to maintain both stamina and motivation in solo mode, the top UCI team held its season opener in the ?tztal partner region. A group of more than sixty people, comprising athletes, trainers and assistants, took full advantage of the excellent training conditions in Tirol''s longest side valley. "I am really happy to finally cycle with my teammates again in the outdoors. During the forced break I spent a lot of time with my son," triple world champion Peter Sagan looks back on the past months. The Slovak-born enthused his fans all over the globe with a video from S?lden, showing a wheelie on the racing bike. The clip on social media reached 1.5 million views within a few days.  

Safety Concept

As is usual also in other sports, an internal team Corona protocol was developed, which ensured safe conditions and consisted - among other things - of dividing the cyclists into different groups. "I''m really happy that everything went so well. The conditions were just perfect, our concept has proven its worth and the intended training workload was implemented excellently. The most important thing, however, is how much the athletes enjoyed to train together again and under almost normal circumstances," sums up Ralph Denk, team manager of BORA - hansgrohe, after the successful training period in ?tztal. Germany''s professional cyclist Emanuel Buchmann, who already caused a sensation at the end of May with his extraordinary charity campaign - an "Everest Challenge" in ?tztal - took the same line. "This camp was a really important step in preparing for the coming season. We have trained a lot, improving also quality aspects. The big races can come," Buchmann looks forward to the great cycling classics. Endurance training coach Dan Lorang, who also has Olympic champion and triathlete Jan Frodeno among his athletes, is equally positive: "We were able to do our training very well. The foundation for a return to the season has now been laid."

Sporty Summit Meetings

In addition to intensive training units, there were other experiences and activities off ?tztal''s racing bike routes on the varied program. The BORA - hansgrohe team experienced a real "secret agent feeling" when visiting the 007 ELEMENTS James Bond Adventure World at the summit of 3048 m tall Gaislachkogl in S?lden. Aiming high also was the motto at AREA 47, only on different terrain. A walk through the high ropes course at a height of 27 meters was a true step out of the personal comfort zone even for the cycling professionals. Skier meets star on two wheels. This is how the spontaneous meeting of Germany''s Alpine figurehead and Kitzb?hel winner Thomas Dre?en with Peter Sagan can be described. The same applies to the joint excursion of the Slovak superstar with the young up-and-coming local athlete Laura Stigger on the trails of the BIKE REPUBLIC S?LDEN. Sagan also knew how to cut a fine figure on the downhill bike and when jumping. For Oliver Schwarz, managing director of ?tztal Tourismus, the BORA - hansgrohe training camp is an important impulse: "Our excellent infrastructure and hospitality form the elementary basis. I''m also particularly pleased that the team has trusted in us in such sensitive times. We have created the framework conditions for the team so that all athletes could enjoy safe training conditions in ?tztal."

More detailed information: www.oetztal.com/bike

?tztaler Cycle Marathon 2020.

2020 makes 40! Registration has started.

February. The month of hope. The registration for the 40th edition of the ?tztaler Cycle Marathon has started on the 1st of this month and runs until the 29th (one day longer due to the leap year). If you haven''t registered yet, you should better hurry. Afterwards, unfortunately, the window will be closed. No more chance to participate in the iconic race. Now everyone is excited about the drawing. Tension increases!